Rory Buccheri

Whether your visit to Chicago requires oh-so-sweet convenience, ridiculously lavish luxury, glistening spa and pool facilities or a panoramic rooftop bar, you can bet the city’s roster of hotels will have you covered—and we’re here to point you in the right direction. With new additions for Fall 2025 including the lavish Langham, the historic Palmer House Hilton and the striking Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, dive into our fresh roundup of the best places to stay in the Windy City.  Which area is best to stay in Chicago? Lincoln Park and Wicker Park are two brilliant options if you want to be a step back from the bustle of the city, but this is Chicago after all, and the bustle is part of the fun. If you’re visiting for the first time, we’d recommend opting for somewhere central like River North or the Loop.  Chicago’s best hotels at a glance: 💎Most luxurious: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago 👛Best budget: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago 🏊‍♀️Best swimming pool: Viceroy Chicago 🌃Best rooftop: The Gwen  🤩Most iconic: The Palmer House Hilton 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best spa hotels in Chicago How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their

Sicily is bursting with amazing things to do. And much like the region itself, the hotel scene is a diverse hub of different styles, locations, and price points. There are city gems, grand hotels, hotels with their own private beaches and humble, family-run B&Bs – in other words, there’s something for everyone here. Once you’ve decided where you want to go in Sicily, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is choose which of these beautiful spots to sleep in. We know, it’s a hard life. But if you’re ready to get booking, read on for our list of the best hotels in Sicily, from Catania and Palermo to Taormina and Syracuse.  What is the best part of Sicily to stay? That totally depends on what kind of trip you’re after. The beauty of Sicily is that each of its islands and cities are totally unique, so you could go again and again and never get bored. For a city break full of culture, food and nightlife, Palermo is your best bet. For a beach break, head to Taormina, home to the stunning beaches in Isola Bella, Mazzarò and more. Seeking adventure? Head to the Etna region, where you’ll find spots for hiking, wild swimming, trekking and more – get up close and personal with Mount Etna herself. Can’t choose? If you rent a car, you can drive through a number of Sicily’s top islands (Noto, Ragusa and Cefalù), and end in Catania.  🏖️ RECOMMENDED: The best beaches in Sicily How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world – new openings,

York is a culinary hotspot in 2025. With a fierce mix of voguish food establishments, including street food, independent restaurants and Michelin experiences, the only dilemma is deciding where to eat. The Michelin Guide lists 16 restaurants in York and its surroundings, three with stars and a Michelin Green Star, including Roots and mýse in Hovingham.  However, York’s independent scene is hopping right now, and residents are as proud of their neighbourhood favourites as much as any famed restaurant (perhaps more so) – the city has an abundance of incredible places to eat that won’t require a credit card deposit when booking. We’ve tried all the restaurants in York and can give you the best tips on where to go. Whether you're craving a curry, a hearty Sunday roast or a wow-factor fine-dining experience, we’ve done the research. Here are the best 22 restaurants in York to book right now. Yes, we are a ‘jammy’ (lucky) bunch of writers – as they say in Yorkshire… RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in York🍸 The best bars in York🍺 The best pubs in York🏘️ The best Airbnbs in York Rory Buccheri and Rachel Everett are food writers based in York. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

It may be a bit of a travel cliché, but in York, old and new exist in rare harmony. A cultural hub since Roman times, this city maintains a lasting historical charm, with many of our ancient ancestors’ constructions still standing strong. But if you’re after some more modern sights, there’s plenty here for the inquisitive visitor to get lost in, from sumptuous restaurants to buzzing bars and contemporary art galleries (and everything in between). Ready to get out there and explore? Here’s our pick of the best things to do in York right now. When's the best time to visit York? Your best bet is during the peak of spring and summer if it's warm weather you're after. For the wintry enchantment, you can't miss out on the Christmas markets in December.  RECOMMENDED:🍝 The best restaurants in York🍸 The best bars in York🍺 The best pubs in York🏘️ The best Airbnbs in York🏨 The best hotels in York ✈️ The best weekend breaks from London Rory Buccheri is a writer based in York. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links. These have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

This is about the time when the January blues start to hit pretty hard. It’s dark at 4pm, you’ve got no money left after Christmas and winter feels like it’s dragging on forever. But we’re here to tell you that things are looking up, because 2025 is going to be a corker of a year for the UK.  It turns out that 2025 is going to be a bit of a big one, with a number of landmark occasions being celebrated across Britain. There’s Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in Southampton, as well as the art-packed Folkestone Triennial, a celebration of 200 years of the British railway in York and Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture festivities. Then, there are up-and-coming foodie towns in Cornwall, music scenes that are popping off in Cardiff and Belfast, and the reopening of grand cultural insitutions like the Tate Liverpool.  If there’s ever been a good time to book a trip, it’s now (it might even help keep some SAD at bay). There is so much fantastic stuff happening across the country this year, so read our list curated by local experts of the best places to visit in the UK in 2025, and get stuck in.  RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧 The 25 best new things to do in the UK in 2025📍The 12 most underrated city breaks in the UK 🏨 The UK’s 13 best new hotels opening in 2025👨‍👩‍👧 6 amazing places to stay with Kids in the UK

When it comes to planning a city break in the UK, a lot of places will probably spring to mind: London, Manchester, Edinburgh. Don’t get me wrong – these are all brilliant cities in their own right, but they shouldn’t always overshadow the other excellent destinations which are slightly more off the beaten path.   This country is home to sprawling metropolises, cobbled mediaeval towns, foodie hidden gems and cultural hotspots which double as gateways to stunning countryside. So how do you choose the top spots? To put together this list, we asked our team of editorial staff and expert local travel writers based all over Great Britain to tell us their recommendations for fantastic city breaks. From Scotland to Stoke, here are the best UK city breaks, chosen by us.  What is the cheapest UK city break? It’s widely known that London is a pricey place to visit. Edinburgh isn’t much better these days. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a decent hotel room in any large UK city for less than £100 a night, so if you’re looking to save on cash, we’d recommend heading somewhere a bit smaller. Sheffield, our top UK city break, generally offers one-bed Airbnbs and hotel rooms for less than £100. Wells, Stoke and Dundee also offer more affordable accommodation – just bear in mind you’ll probably have to spend a little bit extra to get there, if you’re coming from London. What is the best UK city to get to by train? If you’re travelling from the capital, you’re less than two hours on the train f

If you want to be kept in the Loop, Virgin Hotels Chicago is the place to stay. The hotel is right in the middle of the ‘Loop’, a neighborhood named with a nod to Chicago’s historic overground transport, and in one afternoon, I manage to check out about a dozen main attractions, including the Cloud Gate, Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile, which are all within walking distance. While the red on black neons of the Virgin Hotels are a swanky reminder that this is an established global brand, but style doesn’t outweigh substance in the Chicago site, intentionally homed in a historic building which blends in with the city’s electic architecture. What I find the hotel does particularly well is catering for relaxing occasions as well as productive ones. You can unwind and recharge at the spa complex, or enjoy the Chicago skyline and melodic hurtle of the L Train as you catch up on emails at your desk (which is a feature of every Chamber Room).  Why stay at Virgin Hotels Chicago? It’s not every day you get to sleep inside a designated Historic Chicago Landmark, and the hotel is the first to highlight its magnificent history and surroundings.  Not much has changed in the hotel’s exterior since Virgin Hotels moved in: the bas-relief decorations on the stocky Art Deco building date from when this was the Dearborn Bank Building, and as I sit in Miss Ricky’s over breakfast, the first thing my server points out is the imposing building just opposite—the historic Jewelers’ Building with i

For a seriously stylish home away from home, without giving up hotel comforts, look no further than The Guesthouse Hotel. The elegant, characterful suites are fully self-sufficient—you get a chic, colorful living room, a fully functional kitchen, a comfortable bedroom, and even your private balcony with a view of the city—along with perks of a 24/7 reception and impeccable, warm service. The atmosphere is neighborly with all the homely comforts, but the hotel still has just enough pizzazz to make it feel like a special place to stay. And when contrasted to the ultra-modern skyrises you find in downtown, The Guesthouse stands out as a one-of-a-kind, intentionally residential spot. Here’s what we thought of it.  Why stay at The Guesthouse Hotel? Stepping inside The Guesthouse Hotel and you’ll forget all the usual noise usually plaguing city hotel lobbies. From the reception desk to the library and club room, the Guesthouse’s common spaces are quiet, sophisticated, but avoid feeling stuffy: you’ll find printed artwork on the walls, sleekly designed sofas, and shelves full of local artisans’ products. The library’s old leather-bound tomes sit next to board games that guests are encouraged to pick up, take up their rooms, or play wherever they wish—it’s a very cosy vibe.  The original building (today home to the 3-bedroom suites) was purchased by a couple to be turned into luxury condos, and set to go on the market in 2008. As the financial crash took its toll on the housing marke

Home to Europe’s largest volcano, the Etna region is a year-round garden of earthly delights. Take a road trip anywhere in Sicily in summer and you’ll see stretches of golden sunburnt hills and arid mountains stripped bare of all greenery. But not here. Etna is the most fertile area in Sicily, owing its oasis status to the rich volcanic soil, infused with nutrients and minerals. Built on the northern flank of the volcano in the small town of Linguaglossa, Palazzo Previtera has borne witness to the beauty for over 300 years. This 1649 palazzo is your gate to both the gorgeous natural park surrounding it, and the small towns dotting the flanks of Mount Etna. Why stay at Palazzo Previtera? For a holiday in Sicily that doesn’t revolve around tanning by the seaside or checking out city attractions. Mount Etna’s natural park is often trod on the way to historic Siracusa or metropolitan Catania, but unless you’re a seasoned hiker or climber, you’re unlikely to give staying overnight a second thought. In Palazzo Previtera you can combine the adventurous and the cultural by lodging in a storied 17th century palace still family-run to this day, with a prime view of the volcano and lush outdoors. Stroll through the gardens with a steaming hot coffee as your companion and you’ll see green palm fronds, grapes ripening on vines, and apricots, figs, and even kiwis, overflowing from trees. Beyond the special allure of the frescoed rooms and four-post beds, Palazzo Previtera is also the only

The baroque jewel of Sicily, Noto is often overlooked in favour of its neighbour Siracusa, or only considered as a day trip from the latter. Those who choose to stay overnight are rewarded with a calm and small-town charm that many places in bustling Eastern Sicily lack. Sure, you can’t come up with more than a top 10 list of things to do, but you are surrounded by a playground of beauty made of golden sandstone churches, highly ornate 18th century palazzi, and the bubbling energy of the main thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele.  A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Q92 Noto mirrors the grandiose beauty outside with its classical-inspired decor inside. Despite the fashionably antique setting, it provides guests with modern amenities, spacious rooms, and gorgeous views of the town. Did I mention you can wake up to the sound of the Cathedral’s bells next door, and open your window to find the main Corso at your feet? Why stay at Q92 Noto? To swap your checklist of Sicilian activities for a more relaxed setting, steeped in architectural grandeur. Also, to experience Sicilian hospitality at its finest while living like a king in your own palazzo. With only 10 rooms, Q92 has stayed faithful to its origin as an 18th century residence of Sicilian noblemen. What are the rooms like at Q92 Noto? If you like your room to feature a sculpted Greek bust and contemporary paintings lit by an edgy lit frame, this is for you. Every room at Q92 gives both a glimpse into the pas

At the foot of Monte Pellegrino and facing Palermo’s harbour, Villa Igiea is a high-luxury hotel and living landmark rolled into one. Sleeping and dining above the art nouveau foyers and halls that witnessed both the city’s glorious and dark moments for 300 years feels less like staying at a hotel, and more like being an honoured guest at the Sicilian equivalent of Chatsworth House, or Balmoral Castle. To add to the mystique of the location and building itself, Villa Igiea has an amazing portfolio of activities. My stay is packed with unforgettable experiences, from a cocktail class inside a frescoed cellar led by one of the city’s most talented mixologists, to a bespoke visit to the villa’s iconic art nouveau rooms followed by an al-fresco aperitivo. Why stay at Villa Igiea? When I waltzed into Villa Igiea for the first time, I admittedly knew more than most guests about this fabled place – a staple of Sicilian art and architecture I had pored over in art history books during my school days growing up in Palermo. It’s no mean feat, but the physical embodiment lives up to the daydream – the villa is a marvellous hybrid of high-class accommodation and timeless masterpiece. To stay at Villa Igiea is to have a liaison with history. Palermo’s often unsung art nouveau golden age has created a string of Gatsby-esque villas scattered across town, and Villa Igiea is the finest among them. As a guest, you can visit the Sala Basile and be mesmerised by its enchanting floral stencils pa

A sweet plunge downwards from dreamy Taormina, Mazzarò beach is one of the favourite beaches on this coast. Deep turquoise waters, pebbly beaches tickling your toes, and pink grapefruit sunsets are the guaranteed treat here – and in Mazzarò Sea Palace, you have a centre stage ticket to bask in the gloriousness of it all.  Why stay at Mazzarò Sea Palace? In the VRetreats portfolio, Mazzarò Sea Palace is in a prime position to make the most of your Sicilian seaside holiday, and is equipped with modern rooms and facilities to match. The classy, white-walled structure of the hotel is built directly onto the beach, giving guests 24/7 access to this beautiful corner of the coast. The amenities that come with it, from the boundless breakfast to the comprehensive spa, add to that taste of pure relaxation by the Mediterranean. Its newest look adds a touch of hyper-modern elegance to your classic seaside stay – huge windows let in spectacular views from both the indoor restaurant area and private rooms, and whirlpools are a new addition too. What are the rooms like at Mazzarò Sea Palace? Flipping the script on a typical Sicilian palazzo, the lower down your room is, the more luxurious it is. Superior standard rooms are on the top floor, Deluxe in the middle, and the fanciest Suite options, with a private pool, are on the first floor. As each level is built in the style of progressive steps to allow the sunlight to kiss each of the 68 rooms equally, you do get more privacy if you’re at

What’s the vibe? Both owned by chef Florencia Clifford, Partisan and Brancusi are the jewels in the crown of the Micklegate, and just a few metres apart on the same street. Partisan is an ideal spot for an international brunch or daytime meal. The interiors are always changing due to their partnership with a French antiques dealer and works from indie artists on display, making for a cosy spot with an artsy backdrop.  What are the prices like? Partisan’s brunch plates range from £8-16, so it’s a bit splash for a brunch, but still pretty reasonable for how good the food is.  What should I order? Both menus change to reflect the freshest seasonal product. The fantastic staff always know what creations are brewing in the kitchen. When in doubt, go with Partisan’s evergreen Haxby sourdough with Turkish figs and goats cheese (veggie) or an indulgent scallop and bacon roll when in season. You can’t go wrong with classics like the cold sirloin roast. What’s worth visiting nearby? The towering Micklegate is a marvellous sight in itself, and the entrance to a neighbourly side of town that’s up and coming. You are ten minutes away from the heart of town, and five to the city walls winding picturesquely around the city. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in York

What’s the vibe? The sister restaurant to Partisan, Brancusi down the road is its after-dark sidekick. It offers a more sophisticated dinner experience, with dishes ranging from risotto to roast halibut and king scallops. What should I order? As a proper restaurant, Brancusi is a bit pricier than its sister – you can expect to spend up to £45 per person with a main and a drink. Focusing on organic ingredients, the menu at Brancusi changes often, according to what’s available. If you can get it, order the wild mushroom bordelaise with samphire.  What’s worth visiting nearby? The towering Micklegate is a marvellous sight in itself, and the entrance to a neighbourly side of town that’s up and coming. You are ten minutes away from the heart of town, and five to the city walls winding picturesquely around the city. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in York

What’s the vibe? Behind a very casual Japanese-style teahouse hides one of the craftiest kitchens in York. The vibe is relaxed – with people having a classic tea experience sitting side by side to people having a full meal, or just matcha bakes and drinks.  What are the prices like? Hot drinks and cake range from £4-6, but if you want to have food you have a few options. Ippuku’s signature teishoku sets, including a main with soup and steamed rice, are around £17, while their onigiri are £3.90 per piece (but very filling). What should I order? For a substantial lunch, order a set. For a light, inexpensive lunch, go for a choice of onigiri (my favourite are the seaweed-filled and chicken teriyaki) with a side of miso soup or homemade pickle. What’s worth visiting nearby? Both the Minster and the Yorkshire Museum Gardens are a stone’s throw from Ippuku. The gardens are great for a post-lunch stroll with a dramatic backdrop of medieval ruins and the riverside, whereas the famed Minster is a picture-perfect location, but also an indoors shelter for when the weather gets too hot…or too cold. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in York

What’s the vibe? Melton’s offers a fine dining experience without too many frills. The restaurant’s long history has seeped into its walls, giving it a charming yet intimate vibe which matches the French art-nouveau style décor perfectly. No strict dress code and a love for the finest food are what gets you through the door. Melton’s continues to be featured in The Michelin Guide, and has Two AA Rosettes, so you know you’re in good hands. What are the prices like? Expect to spend around the £100 mark with no wine pairings, and a bit above £150 for wine pairings and additional courses. What should I order? Melton’s has two set menus you can choose from, a longer 7-courses tasting menu for £96, and their short three-course for £78. Their accompanying ‘wine flight’ pairing is extra £50, but well worth the extra spend for the quality of the wines and a knowledgeable, passionate presentation by sommelier and founder Lucy Hjort. What’s worth visiting nearby? Once a hidden gem, Bishy Road is now a worthy travel guide entry thanks to its charm. The affectionate nickname – the original being Bishopthorpe – is infused with the love locals feel towards Bishy, a place populated by quirky boutiques, charming little churches, and independent shops including old-style hardware stores, greengrocers, and antique shops. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in York

What is it? York’s most famous historic street, the Shambles, are a picture-perfect place, with dozens of perfectly preserved, charming medieval buildings. Now a trendy spot, the Shambles have a gruesome past, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, when the streets and intersecting alleys were used as an open-air slaughterhouse and hosted many butcher's shops. Is it worth visiting?  With their timber and wood-framed buildings and winding, cobbled alleys, the Shambles offer a unique experience to taste a slice of British history alive and thriving in the present. To this day, they keep their bewitching charm thanks to a string of quirky shops and cafés.  Tickets, accessibility and booking Being a public street, it's free to enter. However, you can expect the Shambles to get quite crowded over the weekend and during festive periods. A weekday or morning trip won’t make the cobbled streets any easier on the feet, but it will allow you a quieter, less crowded experience. Where's good to eat nearby? You’re in the heart of the city centre, so the world’s your oyster. Head to Duck Shack for a delicious Hong Kong BBQ, or to the Shambles Kitchen for the best deli sandwiches in town. The Shambles Market, the UK's largest open-air market, is the best place to head for a variety of food all under one ‘roof’. It has options for every taste, from Greek street food to Thai, Sicilian and Moroccan. 📍 Discover more of the best things to do in York

What is it?  Known also as ‘Roman walls’, the original structure dates back to 71 AD, when the city was fortified and connected to the Via Pretoria by the Romans. The history of the walls is a long one, with the Vikings and Normans building towers and strategic fortifications to better protect the ancient city within. Now a defining feature of the city’s landscape, their uniqueness lies in being almost entirely preserved, and walkable from beginning to end.  Is it worth visiting? Without a doubt. The walls are a fantastic feature, containing York city centre in a circular hug. The pleasant strolling experience alone is worth it, but you will also see lots of residents using them to get to various places. The walls are a practical connection between York’s main attractions, taking you from the historic Micklegate to the Central Station and from Clifford Tower to the city centre. Tickets, accessibility and booking They are free to access, and are open dawn to dusk. The walls are sometimes closed during winter due to frost and depending on weather conditions. Unfortunately, no part of the walls is wheelchair accessible due to narrow paths and stone steps. Where's good to eat nearby? If you feel like a treat, The Star Inn has an impressive menu populated almost entirely by fresh Yorkshire produce and it’s only two minutes’ walk from the Western walls, connecting the Micklegate to the city centre. Or you can head to the Walmgate, York’s foodie street, just 5 minutes’ walk from the